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Katie Kube

“The trip was amazing. I rode a horse named Charlie who I loved. The group were so much fun and the scenery was beautiful.”

Man from Snowy River ride

Jo Burke

"To sum up an experience like this trek is impossible... words can’t put into perspective how incredible each & every moment was, from swimming my horse bareback, watching the stars from the tent bed in absolute peace & quiet, cantering through crystal clear river water, to being able to appreciate scenery that is even more

Glenorchy Back Country Ride

HELLO ASPIRING GLOBETROTTER!

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I’ve been fortunate to explore the world from the back of a horse for the past eight years now. Our portfolio of rides are the bees knees in terms of top-notch horses, charismatic guides, changing scenery and colourful culture.

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Japan

This five day, four night horse riding trip is set in the rural village of Kobuchizawa a equine-loving hub north-west of Tokyo. Your guide and host, Tanaka san is passionate and knowledgeable about his country, is an accomplished endurance rider and has a stable of well-tuned Arabian endurance horses. Tanaka san is the perfect guide speaking fluent English and has a good understanding on what globetrotting guests seek in a top-notch horse riding holiday.

Guests will instantly fall in love with Kobuchizawa a chocolate-box village with family-owned Soba noodle and sushi restaurants tucked away in side streets and traditional Japanese arts and crafts. Don’t be fooled that Japan is second best when it comes to spectacular and varied riding scenery.

The beauty of the landscape will surprise from the get-go. Within minutes of riding out from the stables guests trot through ancient forests along narrow riding paths that snake through the trees. This five day riding itinerary has been tailored specifically to globetrotting guests who love riding and exploring different cultures on horseback paired with traditional Japanese food, accommodation and culture.

FAST FACTS

time in the saddle: four to five hours a day

breed of horses: Arabian and Arabian Cross – endurance horses that have originated from Australia.

pace: the pace can vary from a walk right through to a canter.

tack: endurance saddles and bitless bridles

riding ability: suitable for intermediate to experienced riders

accommodation: Guests stay at Lodge Keyspring which has both western-style and traditional-style rooms to choose between. Each western style room has its own bathroom and toilet. Guest who prefer to sleep in a Japanese style room use shared bathroom and toilet. Shared bathroom is Onsen hot spring spa.

season: April is spring time in Japan and where you’ll be mesmerised by the Cherry Blossoms. November is autumn time in Japan and guests ride through a portrait of amber, blood reds and buttercup yellow. Departure dates can also fall during the months of May, July and September

group size: minimum of two guests and a maximum of three guests.

ride length: five days, four nights.

weight limit: 85kgs

2019 departure dates:

April 22 to 26, 2019 – Cherry Blossom Ride – SOLD OUT!

July 8 to 12, 2019 – TWO globetrotters booked

*Other departure dates available upon request for a minimum of 2 people. Please contact us here.

2019 ride price:

303,600 Japanese YEN (approximately $3700 AUD per person) for a minimum of three riders

349,140 Japanese YEN per person for a minimum of two riders

*The price includes all meals from first day dinner to last day lunch, accommodation and riding.

*The price does not include international flights and travel insurance, transfers to and from the ride, alcohol, and accommodation on day five of the itinerary.

*Prices may be subject to change.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Accepted payment is by credit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all credit card payments. Since you’ll be paying in a foreign currency, in this case Japanese YEN, we believe paying via credit card is the most cost effective and easiest option for you.

Why is the price quoted in Japanese YEN?

With our overseas riding destinations (rides other than in Australia), the currency is dictated by our partner in that country which in this case is Japan. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.

TRANSFER INFORMATION

For international guests we recommend arriving in Tokyo 1-2 days prior to the start of the ride. On day 1 of the ride itinerary, you will need to catch a train to Kobuchizawa at around 10am. Your guide Tanaka san will book your return tickets for this train journey and you will need to reimburse him upon arrival in Kobuchizawa.

"The cherry blossom ride in Japan is a beautiful way to experience the superb hospitality of the Japanese people. The food, the scenery, the temples and the safe, kind and willing horses all contribute to a wonderful experience of this beautiful country and the friendly, helpful people."

Japan

Vicki Abel

Riding in Japan is a two fold experience. You don't just go for the riding, but the whole experience. You will see on horseback parts of Japan that other tourists will never get the opportunity to see and experience. Plus you will eat very good food on the journey. 🙂

Japan

Cheryl Warwick

Japan was a wonderful experience for both of us. Bridle paths through forests, spectacular scenery, cherry blossom, lessons and insights into the Japanese culture were amazing. Very well mannered, fit horses. Altogether a great trip.

Japan

Anna Chang

The experience was awesome! Love how Tanaka San and Mayumi really care for their horses, plus their emphasis on natural horsemanship - bitless bridles, no horseshoes etc. I had many firsts on this trip; first time riding bareback, bitless, riding amongst the trees and hills, experiencing Japanese tea ceremony & seeing Sakura flowers!

Cherry Blossom ride, Japan

Shiling Tan

Our trip was awesome. A highly recommended trip for all level of riders and for those who wish to experience Japanese Culture & foods. I'm impressed by the commitment Tanaka san has towards all his 6 horses. And the care he provides for them- riding without bits and horseshoes. The horses were all so well mannered and well-maintained.

Both Tanaka san and Mayumi had inspired me to become a better rider and this trip further affirms the reason why I started riding. I've enjoyed myself thoroughly.

Cherry Blossom Ride, Japan

Aini Tedesco

"Riding in Japan is a wonderful combination of lovely horses, friendly locals, spectacular scenery and delicious food. I can't think of a better way to get a more realistic experience of Japan outside the big city without having to navigate and organise it all ourselves. Everything we wanted from a holiday."

Japan

Debbie McKenzie

"Tanaka san & Mayumi were exceptional in ensuring a very positive experience. Nothing was too much trouble and they were very accommodating, hospitable and enjoyable company, often going beyond expectations. The small group of 2 ensured a greater connection with Tanaka san & Mayumi, making the experience even more memorable. Tanaka san & Mayumi should be very proud of the quality experience they provide. 10 out of 10 to them."

Japan

Jill Humphreys

"Tanaka san and Mayumi are consummate hosts. They could not do enough for us and were happy to fit in with whatever we wanted to do. The horses were fit and well behaved and had no problems in town or in the forest. We enjoyed an outdoor tea ceremony (with horses grazing close by) under the cherry blossom - a fabulous experience. The food and accommodation were perfect, particularly the onsen at the end of each day. A lovely and spectacular trip all round, perfectly suited to the nervous rider because the people and horses are very gentle, get along well together (no kicking and fighting) and the kindness, communication and knowledge of the staff about the horses and the environment was first class."

Japan

Celia Campbell

"Horse riding in Japan during cherry blossom season was more incredible than I could have imagined. We had 4 riders in our group and it was perfect, you wouldn't want any more than that. The guides were fantastic and very helpful and accommodating."

Cherry Blossom Ride, Japan

Marnie Phillips

"The Kobuchizawa ride in Japan is absolutely wonderful - brilliant horses, amazing riding, terrific food, incredible and very flexible hosts, cultural experiences and jaw dropping scenery each and every day (think snow capped mountains all around, even in Spring!). All in a magnificent precinct a couple of hours from Tokyo at the base of the mountains, with daily views of Mt Fuji. Utterly awesome!"

Japan

Laura White

"I was EXTREMELY happy with the horses I rode. I was lucky enough to get to try 4 of the horses. I mainly rode Sebastian & Zaarla. Sebastian was so beautiful and had just the right amount of get up and go; once an endurance champion always an endurance champion. He was always ready to go but still felt safe all the time. I also rode Zaarla who was just stunning. Beautiful comfy paces, responsive and sooooo pretty ! I also got to ride Dasha who was lots of fun and had a short bareback ride on Diver who was also great. My mum adored him and felt safe on him the whole ride which is very important to her."

Japan

Meredith White

"Worth every cent! A totally enjoyable ride and cultural experience."

Japan

Kaye Bracken

"Riding in Japan was a unique experience! The scenery was absolutely stunning - although we were at the end of blossom time, there was still beautiful blossom trees everywhere. Riding through the little village was such fun. Having a private onsen in our accommodation was much appreciated and well used after our rides."

Japan

Lisel Avey

"This was a truly unique experience. The location amongst the mountains and forests was breathtakingly beautiful. It was lovely to be picked up each morning and taken to the stable to groom the horses and set off on a new adventure. Each day we passed shrines, waterfalls, so many cherry blossoms and cute little houses. The horses were so darling - calm, responsive, willing. I miss my Dasha! Tanaka and Mayumi were so generous with their time and did everything they could to make sure we were well looked after. Oh, and the food!! Delicious!"

Japan

Laura Reid

"Words do not accurately describe how breathtakingly beautiful the mountains of Japan are from the back of a horse. It felt like a dream riding through blossom covered avenues of trees and snow-dusted mountain ranges. Tanaka and Mayumi made sure our adventure was nothing short of perfect and I felt so lucky to ride such sweet, sure-footed horses like Sebastian and Boy. I cannot think of better way to experience Japan and I'd go back in a heartbeat!"

Japan

Jennifer Joiner

"An absolutely brilliant combination of wonderful riding against the background of stunning scenery and an immersion into Japanese culture.
Riding through lush green forest trails on highly trained and responsive endurance horses, eating beautifully cooked Japanese food, enjoying the company of fellow riders and our perfect hosts (and champion endurance riders) Tanaka san and Mayumi san. Can't wait to go do it again!"

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Debbie Tate

'This trip was a celebration of my son Josh's 18th birthday and of me being well again following treatment for cancer. From the first minute to the last it was an absolute joy. The horses were much loved and very well cared for. They had lovely manners and were forward-going and responsive to the lightest

Bordeaux Wine Trail

Mel and Darren Pugh

"We really looked forward to this holiday and it lived up to all expectations! From the lovely landlady Teresa, at our B&B to our great hosts Jen and Jeremy and their awesome horses. We both hadn't ridden for a while and my hubby had very little previous experience. We took in wonderful scenery, ate awesome

Tassie Tiger Trail

HELLO ASPIRING GLOBETROTTER!

Feel free to share your details below to receive our monthly e-zine that is jam-packed with our latest rides, special offers and valuable information on preparing for your next horse riding holiday.

Instagram

Why you’ll love our rides

I’ve been fortunate to explore the world from the back of a horse for the past eight years now. Our portfolio of rides are the bees knees in terms of top-notch horses, charismatic guides, changing scenery and colourful culture.